How to Become a Graphic Designer in Dubai

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Dubai

Graphic design is a creative process that reaches into everything we do these days—from websites to application interfaces to product packaging, the talented hand of the graphic designer is seen everywhere. It can be a rewarding, challenging career.

Graphic Designer in Dubai Career Basics

Graphic designers convey inspiring and informative ideas in advertisements, brochures, and other marketing materials. They work in studios where there is access to computers and drafting tools. Some graphic designers work for specialized design firms as part of a collaborative team, while others are self-employed and work independently. Most graphic designers work full-time to meet deadlines. Self-employed graphic designers must be flexible, as clients sometimes need to meet during evening and weekend hours. Part of learning how to become a graphic designer is knowing how to bid on contracts.

Graphic Designer in Dubai In-Depth

Communication lies at the heart of a graphic designer’s job. While their duties may involve extensive work with images, they shouldn’t be confused with artists. Those working in the fine arts may be looking to inspire or their work may be open to interpretation. Graphic designers, on the other hand, are seeking to convey a specific message.

Although much graphic design work is done on the computer, it can also be multimedia in nature. In addition, designers may specialize in a particular area. The following are some common specialties although this is certainly not an exhaustive list.

Typography

Web Design

Book Design

Packaging

Logos

Advertising

Specialization isn’t required though, and some graphic designers enjoy dabbling in a variety of projects.

What kind of skills are required ?

Graphic designers must combine sharp analytical skills with artistic talent to produce convincing illustrations that clearly convey their clients’ messages. Although they spend some time developing ideas on paper, they also need to be able to utilize specialized graphic design software. A large amount of time is spent communicating with clients and other members of the design team, so strong interpersonal skills are important, too. Graphic designers often have to complete multiple projects simultaneously, so they need to be able to manage their time effectively.

Above all, graphic designers need to be visual thinkers. This skill lets them know how best to arrange images and which colors and fonts to use. Graphic design work must visually answer questions or convey emotions, and good designers are experts in creatively using the space they have to make an impact.

Graphic Designer in Dubai ideas to help set you on that path:

Method 1 of 2: Learn the Fundamentals

 

1. Choose an area of graphic design.

Before you can call yourself a graphic designer, you have to make some decisions. For example, are you interested in advertising, web development, multimedia (ex. the TV industry), print design, or animation? These can all be considered different forms of graphic design. Narrow your focus on an area that appeals to you. While graphic design is fundamentally the same whether in print or online, there are also key differences in resolutions, color space, and other variables that are specific to the medium you want to focus on Though. It never hurts to start early in any field, but it is particularly important when it comes to graphic design. While in high school, take classes in art history, drawing, graphic arts and website design. Work on your school newspaper or yearbook. Graphic design requires a good eye and a creative mind, but also the development of solid practical skills. The sooner you start developing those skills, the better.

2. Acquire the tools.

The industry standard applications for graphic design are Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. (If you plan to go all-out, the full Adobe Creative Suite includes Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign and After Effects.) While both applications are designed to be easy to use from the start, they are very feature rich and will require a great deal of focused effort to master them. These programs aren’t cheap. To get started, play around with free alternatives like Gimp, Scribus, Inkscape, and Pixlr, all of which will help you learn the ropes until you’re willing and able to drop big bucks on the real thing.

3. Purchase textbooks.

Focus on books that teach design fundamentals, then study as though you were taking a college course. Instead of working for a grade, however, your reward will be a career that you love.

4. Take a course in graphic design.

It’s not just to become an expert in programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, but to learn how to use these valuable tools in conjunction with developing a marketable design sense. There was a time when a graphic designer could get hired strictly on his or her portfolio. Today, however, most employers are looking for designers with a more complete and well-rounded education, the kind only a college degree can provide. A certificate in the field or an associate’s degree may be sufficient in some cases, but you are much more likely to land a quality job after earning a bachelor’s degree.

There are currently approximately 300 post-secondary institutions in the United States that offer degree programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. School options include large public universities, small private colleges and prestigious art institutes. There are also a growing number of online programs available. Coursework covers a wide range of subjects, such as studio art, principles of design, commercial graphics, web design, advertising and graphics-related computer technology. Classes in marketing and business can be part of the curriculum, as well, since designers must be able to compile and submit professional job proposals, as well as sell themselves to potential clients.

Five Popular Graphic Designer in Dubai Degrees

Graphic designers need an education that combines technical and artistic skills. For those planning to go into the field, here are five popular undergraduate degree choices.

Graphic Design

The most popular degree for aspiring graphic designers, a bachelor’s degree in the field may include courses in art history, design basics and computing. Students will be introduced to the hardware and software used by the professional designers, and they may also have studio time integrated into their class schedule.

Illustration

While drawing skills are not a requirement for graphic design, those who do have this talent may want to pursue a degree in illustration. These degree programs allow students to hone their artistic skills while also taking courses on graphic design and computing.

Communications

Students who want to focus on understanding how best to convey messages may want to enroll in a communications degree program. Although not limited to visual communication, these degrees provide a broad knowledge base regarding how humans receive and interpret information. Those enrolling in a communications degree can supplement it with elective courses in design and computing.

Web Design

Some schools offer degree programs specifically for those planning a career in web design. These degrees go in-depth into design principles as they relate to the internet. Students may learn how to layout web pages, manage content and optimize their design space.

Packaging

Packaging is another specialized degree program for graphic designers. A degree in packaging goes beyond simply graphic design and encompasses all aspects of delivering goods, from the materials used to the manufacturing process. Regardless of the specific degree chosen, graphic design students should look for an accredited program from a reputable school.

5. Get involved with the design community.

Practicing at home is a great, safe way to learn the ropes, but eventually, you need to put yourself out there so you can get feedback. Though it may be painful at first, keep your ego in check and take the tips seriously; the payoff will be enormous. Additionally, it’s important to see what other people are doing so that you’re exposed to more than just one or two styles. As with any business, networking is important in graphic design, especially if you intend to freelance. Make friends, keep in touch, be willing to learn, and you might just get work out of it.

6. Further your education.

Really interested in graphic design? Consider getting a degree. Academic settings can be inspiring and networking with others in your field is always a good thing. On top of that, many people won’t hire a graphic designer without seeing some proof that they’ve been properly trained.

Consider these options:

If you want a degree that will lend you credibility but don’t have much time or money, get an associate’s. This is typically a two-year degree and can be acquired at a community college or trade school. The emphasis will be more on computer skills than art theory, but it’s a good place to start.

If you want a degree with some weight to it, get a bachelor’s. This is typically a four-year degree that can be acquired at a college or university. In addition to learning all the necessary computer skills, you will also be trained in art and design.

Not 100% sure that graphic design will be your career path? Get a bachelor’s of arts degree, not a bachelor’s of fine arts. Though both are great for this type of work, a B.A. is less focused than a B.F.A., covers more general education, and makes it easier for you to change to a wildly different major should you choose to pursue something else.

If you already have a B.A. or B.S., do post-baccalaureate work in graphic design. These courses may even earn you a certificate, credential, or second bachelor’s degree.

If you’re dead-set on being a graphic designer, get a graduate degree. If you haven’t done so already, you will first have to get a bachelor’s degree. Consider minoring or getting a second major in a business-related field if you’re also interested in freelancing.

Graphic Designer in Dubai Method 2 of 2: Develop Your Style

 

1. Do what you love.

If you are compelled by ornate designs with florid script and bright colors, focus on that. If you love that style, focus on developing that design sense. If your passion is for the clean, well-balanced line, with simple color schemes and powerful graphics, make it your own.

2. Read graphic design books.

They can be really helpful and will speed up the process of your education.

 

3. Study the pros.

Hunt down and devour the designs featured in newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and anywhere else you spot graphic design (hint: it will be everywhere you look).

Don’t limit yourself to what is traditionally considered “graphic design,” but expand into other areas as well, such as industrial designers like Joey Roth or Makota Makita & Hiroshi Tsuzaki; or architects such as Santiago Calatrava or Frank Gehry. Draw inspiration to foster your own creativity.

Don’t just look in the likely places. Check out wine stores, for example: label design is a key part of the industry. Also check out fashion websites, book stores, music labels, even product design packaging.

4. Research fonts.

People who get into typography are a whole other breed. They agonize over book print, street signs, and movie credits. They have serious opinions about serifs. They mock your Comic Sans. A good graphic designer should understand the importance of typeface, leading, kerning, and everything else that goes with creating effective text.

5. Develop a unique style.

You want people, when they see your designs, to recognize and know that it is your work. The more they know, the quicker things will work for you.

 

6. Gather interesting designs.

Whether it’s a t-shirt, a pamphlet, a food label, a post card, or a poster, collect anything and everything that excites and inspires you. Study them, note what you like and don’t like, and tuck them away so that you can use them as references whenever you feel stuck on a project.

7. Don’t throw any of your work away.

Even if you hate something, swallow that lump in your throat and save it. When you feel strong enough, look back over your old work with a fresh eye. What worked? What didn’t? How much has your style grown? You might even be inspired to redo some of your older projects and turn them into masterpieces.

8. Redesign other people’s work.

See a terrible design somewhere? Take a photo or save a copy and rework it for fun. See a fantastic design? Even better! Challenge yourself to add something that the original artist missed. Just as the aspiring music student studies the masters, and learns what they did, by working within other people’s designs will you be able to truly understand what does or doesn’t make it tick and why.

9. Create a portfolio.

In addition to needing one if you ever want to get real work, putting together a portfolio challenges you to make critical judgments of your own work. Which pieces are your best and why? Which ones don’t make the cut? Is there a theme – and if so, can you play it up in the portfolio? If you want to work digitally, showcase your portfolio on a website. Once you graduate and begin your job search, your biggest asset will be a professional portfolio. The calling card of most professionals is their resume. Graphic designers need a solid resume, too, but the only way for a prospective employer to really be able to tell if you’ve got what it takes is to actually see your work. That’s where your portfolio comes in.

There was a time when a graphic design portfolio was a simple collection of a designer’s best newspaper and magazine advertisements. Professional portfolios today are much more sophisticated, consisting not only of print ads, but also including online advertisements, website graphics, and even television commercials and animation. It is not uncommon for job seekers today to carry fully digital versions of their portfolio on CD or DVD with them to interviews, along with the more traditional paper version. Many designers also maintain their own up-to-date design portfolio websites.

If you are just starting out, presenting a large and varied portfolio can be a problem. You simply haven’t had the time or experience to compile a large body of work. In that case, you should focus on quality instead of quantity, presenting only your best design samples, and tailor your portfolio to meet a prospective employer’s specific needs.

Article: How to become A Graphic Designer in Dubai

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How to Become a Graphic Designer in Dubai